New England Patriots versus Washington Commanders Week 9 game preview
Pats looking to avoid first 2-7 start since 2000
Mac Jones and the Patriots will begin their journey to try and become the fourth team in the Super Bowl era to reach the playoffs after a 2-6 start as they host the Commanders at home this Sunday.
Last week, the Patriots lost more than just the game against the Dolphins in Miami after wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, their team leader in receiving yards (406), Touchdowns (four), Receptions (37), Targets (55) and receiving yards per game (50.8) went down with a knee injury on the first play of the fourth quarter which was later confirmed an ACL tear that will sideline him for the rest of the season.
With Bourne done for the year, Parker already ruled out with a concussion and Tyquan Thornton a healthy scratch last week, New England is going to need its young receivers to step up.
JuJu Smith-Schuster was projected to be more involved in the pass game before the season started for New England after signing a three-year, $25 million dollar contract this offseason but hasn’t been off to a great start with just 15 receptions for only 89 yards and one touchdown.
Thornton hasn’t been able to get himself going in his second year after missing the first five games due to an IR stint and then missing last weeks game as a healthy scratch. Patriots rookies Kayshon Boutte, who hasn’t played since Week 1 and Demario “Pop” Douglas could play significant minutes moving forward.
Bill Belichick said in his Friday press conference that this has been Boutte’s best week of practice and Douglas is coming off a team high 5 receptions last week and has steadily seen a climb in playing time and targets.
New England’s offensive line caught some what of a break as the Commanders traded their top two pass rushers before this weeks deadline, moving both Montez Sweat and Chase Young.
On the defensive side of the ball the Pats will look to slow down second year quarterback Sam Howell, who is coming off a career high in passing yards with 397 and touchdowns with four last week vs Philadelphia.
Kyle Dugger will look to build off his great performance (nine tackles, one sack, one interception) versus Miami as the entire Patriots secondary will have their hands full with Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel and Jahan Dotson.
Belichick’s team is a slight favorite Sunday with the Pats being favored by -2.5 at home against the Commanders according to DraftKings Sportsbook.
Follow Zack on Twitter: @162Zack
For additional Red Sox, Bruins, Patriots, MLB and NFL content follow Beyond the Monster on Twitter @BeyondtheMnstr.
